James Anderson, one of England’s greatest fast bowlers, is set to retire after the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s.
Anderson’s career in Test cricket spans an impressive 188 matches, with 350 innings bowled and an incredible 40,001 deliveries sent down. During this time, he has conceded 18,606 runs while claiming 703 wickets. His best bowling in an innings stands at 7/42, and in a match, an outstanding 11/71.
Anderson has maintained a stellar bowling average of 26.46, complemented by an economical bowling rate of 2.79 runs per over and a strike rate of 56.90. His consistency is further underscored by achieving 32 four-wicket hauls, 32 five-wicket hauls, and three ten-wicket hauls throughout his illustrious career.
With a career spanning over two decades, Anderson has etched his name in cricket history with numerous remarkable achievements. In this article, we will take a look at top 5 James Anderson’s records in Test cricket as he bids farewell.
James Anderson’s records to inspire upcoming generations
Here are the top five of James Anderson’s records:
1. Most Wickets Taken Caught by a Wicketkeeper in Tests
Among James Anderson’s records is also the most wickets taken caught by a wicketkeeper in Test cricket. This feat underscores his ability to induce edges from batsmen with his swinging deliveries. Out of his 700 Test wickets, 197 have been caught by wicketkeepers, accounting for 28.1% of his total dismissals. This record highlights Anderson’s skill in consistently troubling top-order batsmen and his partnership with some of the best wicketkeepers in England’s history, including Matt Prior and Jonny Bairstow.
2. Most Wickets on a Single Ground in Tests
Anderson has an exceptional record at Lord’s, the home of cricket. He has taken 122 wickets in 29 matches at this iconic venue, making him second only to Muttiah Muralitharan for the most wickets on a single ground in Test history. Anderson’s best bowling figures at Lord’s are 7/42, and he averages 24.84 with the ball there. His mastery of the conditions at Lord’s has often been pivotal in England’s success at home.
3. Most Matches Played by a Fast Bowler in Tests
As of his final match, Anderson will have played 188 Tests, the most by any fast bowler in the history of the game. This record speaks volumes about his longevity and fitness, especially given the physically demanding nature of fast bowling. Anderson’s ability to maintain high performance over such an extended period is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to the sport.
4. Most Balls Bowled by a Fast Bowler in Tests
One of James Anderson’s records is that he has bowled over 40,000 deliveries in Test cricket, a staggering number that places him fourth on the all-time list, behind spin legends Muttiah Muralitharan, Anil Kumble, and Shane Warne. His endurance and consistency have been key to his success, allowing him to take 703 wickets at an average of 26.46. Anderson’s economy rate of 2.79 and strike rate of 56.9 reflect his ability to maintain pressure on batsmen over long spells.
5. Fastest to 700 Test Wickets
James Anderson reached the milestone of 700 Test wickets in March 2024 against India in Dharamsala. He achieved this feat in 187 matches, making him the third fastest bowler to reach this landmark, behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. This record underscores Anderson’s remarkable consistency and effectiveness as a wicket-taker throughout his career. Reaching 700 wickets is a rare accomplishment, with only three bowlers in the history of Test cricket achieving this milestone.
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